April 07, 2007	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 18, 1428

DHAKA, April 6: Leaders of different political parties in Bangladesh did welcome on Friday the Election Commission’s proposed poll reforms, but made guarded remarks on the Commission’s 18-month timeline for preparation of voters’ roll.

The politicians called on the Commission to explore ways to reduce the proposed timeline for preparing a flawless voters’ roll so that the elections to the 9th parliament could be held as early as possible.

The chief election commissioner, ATM Shamsul Huda, on Thursday spelled out the proposed reforms plan and said that at least 18 months would be required for preparation of a voters’ roll with photographs.

Most of the political leaders instantly greeted the proposals as positive, but in the next breath wondered as to why 18 months would be required for preparation of the voters’ roll.

Some of them, however, said that the Commission’s proposals would be reviewed at their respective party forums before giving their formal opinions about the issue.